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Wiley in Pal Joey, a William & Mary Theatre production.
Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Wade.
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Elizabeth Wiley pictured here with her sister Roxanna Rutter.
As the head of acting in the theatre department at the College of William & Mary as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator, Elizabeth Wiley lives and breathes the college and theatre life. When she isn’t preparing for class or recording at her in-home studio, how would Wiley spend a perfect day in Williamsburg?
A Morning Spent in Nature
“I love wooded trails,” said Wiley, a native of Minnesota who settled in Williamsburg in 1997. “It’s essential to get out in nature. The Matoaka trails at William and Mary are great. I also like York River State Park. If I could, I would hop on my bike or go for a hike along the wooded trails at the Warhill Sports Complex. The trails are hilly and wide, and just gorgeous. That would be my ideal start to the day.”
After, Wiley would head to The Daily Grind on campus for her morning coffee and a scone. “Then, of course, I would teach a fabulous acting class,” she said. “It is such a joy to teach at William & Mary. All the students want to be here and bring so much to the table. I learn so much from them every day. I feel so fortunate to be able to work in a place where I feel I can grow as a person because of working with terrific students and top-notch faculty.”
An Afternoon Downtown
On her lunch break, Wiley would venture not far from campus to the Culture Café along Scotland Street. “I love the décor at the Culture Café,” Wiley said. “The little library seating area that is upstairs is my favorite place to sit. It’s an ideal place to go with friends for tapas and conversation. The food is extraordinary.”
Wiley would also try to stop by LOKAL on Prince George Street.“It’s just a funky little place that does health food right,” she said. “They really take care of you there, and the area they have downstairs is a nice place to hang out.”
Following a quick stroll through Colonial Williamsburg, Wiley would then either head into an afternoon of rehearsals for a theatre production or catch a show at one of the local theatres. “I love Panglossian Productions,” Wiley shares. “Going to see local theatre would definitely be part of my perfect day.”
Ending the Day with a Nightcap
“After my pretty packed day, I’d unwind with a beer,” Wiley said.“I hadn’t been a beer drinker until recently, but because of the craft beer scene here, I am learning to be an enthusiast. I’d round off my day at the DoG Street Pub with my beau Brian a nice sour gose beer.”
Wiley’s evening would also include some live music, possibly at Sweet Tea & Barley at Williamsburg Lodge.
“It’s just great to go there and listen to music, especially when the weather is just right and you can sit outside on their patio,” Wiley said. “I’d go listen to Good Shot Judy or Timeline Jazz. Williamsburg has it going on.”
Want to tell us about your perfect day in Williamsburg? Email us at natalie@localscoopmagazine.com.
